11 Animals That Should Be Adopted From Caring For Creatures This Holiday Season!

1. Sebastian

Hi, I’m Sebastian. At first I was scared and shy when I came here after being lost and all alone. I wasn’t sure if they would keep me and help me, and I was afraid to me all alone in the big world again. It didn’t take long for me to trust people, and now I love to be held and petted. I purr like a small engine. My favorite thing to do is play! I lived in the office for my first month here, and Sid and I played through the walls of my condo. I was a little nervous the day I moved to the Scratching Post to live with the big kids in Room R2, but I share my condo with Simon and we have a great time playing together. I love my toys, I love other cats, and I love people. But what I would love most of all is a home and family of my own.

2. Gryffen

Gryffen sports a luxurious deep brown coat with white tipped toes and a white blaze on his chest. Weighing approximately 80 pounds, he is healthy and happy and ready to start his new life! He has lived with big & small female dogs just fine. He has lived with one small male dog and did well, so he should be good with male dogs as well. He has had limited exposure to cats. He will initially chase, but quickly bores of it and then gets along amicably with cats, so living with cats shouldn’t be an issue as long as he is properly introduced. Gryffen would do best in a home with at least one other dog. He is definitely a follower, not a leader. He looks to other dogs to guide him and show him the way. When left to his own devices, he seems lost & confused. He is quite adorable with Tinkerbell the tiny JRT mix, as he totally lets her rule the roost and call all the shots! He gets a lot of comfort in knowing that Tinkerbell is running things.

Gryffen is fully house broken and will reliably hold it for 8-10 hours. He is not crated as he shows no destructive tendencies. Gryffen has no food aggression with people or dogs. He readily shares his food dish with Tinkerbell. He takes treats very gently from your hand. Gryffen has lived with children who were 6-10 years old with no issues.

He does have a bit of a stubborn streak and is a Houdini with collars – so when he doesn’t want to do something he can quickly get out of any collar. Therefore, I use a sturdy harness on him that is designed for dogs that go rock climbing. He does great in this harness and has never gotten out of it. I have noticed that since using the harness his stubbornness has ebbed and he doesn’t balk at going new places now. The harness seems to have given him a boost of confidence when on leash which has been great to see. So now Gryffen does great when being walked on the retractable leash and rarely pulls. Due to the retriever in him, he is highly focused on birds though!!! So if he sees a bird flying overhead he will become engrossed in it and pull on the leash trying to follow it. He is quickly and easily redirected though. Gryffen has no recall off leash and when he gets loose he will run as far and as fast away from you as he can, resulting in it taking hours to catch him. Therefore, Gryffen should never be allowed off leash unless in a secured fenced area. In his previous home he did respect the 4 foot tall wooden fence and never jumped over it. Overall Gryffen is a very sweet and loving boy. He is nicely mannered and should fit in with ease to almost any home.

3. Peaches

I’m told that I’m a lively and merry little girl, positively effervescent people say. One of my ardent volunteer admirers even used the words “all around perfect cat.” I’m way too modest to accept that accolade without blushing a little under my gorgeously striped brown tabby fur, but I appreciate being appreciated. I do lay claim to being a world champion head butter, even standing up on my back legs to deliver affectionate and welcoming head bumps to one and all. I adore a good chinny scratch and having gentle hands caress me. At this point I haven’t quite mastered this lap sitting thing but I sure do enjoy sitting beside you. I’m social, playful, and fun loving, and I get along great with all my roommates in spite of being bullied by one of them. Blessed with a calm and loving demeanor I have all the makings of a lifelong best friend. Gentleness and sweetness of soul go a long way in today’s world, and this soul is wrapped up in the cutest petite package. Come say hello and we can visit awhile. I’m betting that you will say that everything is just Peachy and that you want me to be yours.

4. Dallas

Spending time with Dallas is like experiencing life through the eyes of a child. He approaches every new experience with a cheerful and exuberant curiosity that makes you happy and intrigued to have him by your side. Although he is missing a front leg, that doesn’t stop him from living life to the fullest as he runs, jumps and plays like any 4 legged dog. There’s no stopping this waggy tailed fellow!

Dallas enjoys all food, and "bite size" toys like his pet fox, but prefers spending time with the people he loves. You see, although he is quite energetic and playful, he knows the importance of quiet – one on one – time with those he forms a special bond with. Lap time and deep cuddle time with his human following a romp with his favorite toy or doggy playmate, is one of his favorite times of the day!

Once Dallas forms a bond with you he is a loyal and lifetime friend. He has an unprecedented memory unlike any animal we’ve ever seen. Once he remembered playing with a cat laser toy well over a year since he had last seen one. He walked up to the volunteer that had played "tag" with him previously and looked at his hand as if to say, "Where is it!" and proceeded to search the floor excitedly for the laser light. Just like that laser, once he forms a bond with you you will be in his heart and mind forever.

Dallas is a good choice for a family with older kids, cats and other dogs who are looking for companionship. He is a strong playmate so he’ll need a more sturdy dog to share his playpen with as he bows down to start a game of wrestling and running and chasing. Dallas craves attention so be prepared to have a pet who will want to climb up into your lap and follow you around. He aims to be your second shadow and can’t wait to fill that role. Carefree and very lovable, Dallas is a winner inside and out!

5. Molly

It’s been a wild ride for this terrific lady! Her person was taken to prison and sadly she too wound up at the prison farm. Shortly after her arrival, she gave birth to a litter of 6 pups. Before the staff realized what was going on, 3 of the pups had already slipped down a drainage pipe. Only one could be saved and then later it died. Today, Molly has now successfully raised a litter of 3 pups who are as cute as the day is long. And Molly is as SWEET as the day is long. Just when she thought her life was under control though, her time was “up” at the high kill shelter who took her in. A very bubbly, affectionate lady, Molly desperately needs a person who can really focus and dote on her. She gets anxious when she is left alone and honestly, you can’t blame her. Her life has been so rocky that she just doesn’t know what might happen to her next. Molly is wonderful around other dogs and is good in initiating playtime. Sweet and very generous with her kisses, Molly deserves a chance and some long term love.

6. Milan

To be honest I was traumatized and quite timid when I first arrived at CFC. How that has changed! Who knew that such a vivacious personality lay just under my tabico surface? I have become a true social butterfly, flouncing about to greet all my friends who have come to work in the Scratching Post kitchen or to visit. After the requisite meowed greeting I deliver a virtual flurry of head nudges to those I’m welcoming. I fill a lap with my beautiful calico and tabby self and from the way I look into your eyes you will surely know that I think YOU’RE the cat’s meow. I twirl about in a welcoming lap and enthusiastically deliver my patented combination of purrs and head bumps to caressing hands. I’m as soft as a lamb, in both fur and personality. It’s been said that I’m a southern belle in a cat suit: charming, well-mannered, sweet, sometimes demure and sometimes a bit bold. The consensus among those who have come to love me here is that I’m a kind and gentle soul who will make some lucky person or family one devoted and loyal companion. Who could ask for more than that? Do come and sit a spell with me, y’all hear?

7. Owen

I’m at my best surrounded by toys and more toys and yes, a human by my side. Howdy, folks. It’s me Owen. I love to play. I love my purple stuffy!!! I also like to chase tennis balls. Folks have commented on how I can seemingly self entertain for long periods of time if given just a few simple toys. I will carry and throw toys around and then roll on my back in great delight. Still can’t believe the good fortune I have come upon in winding up at CFC! I’ve never met a stranger and I’m told I’m graced with a super sweet disposition typical of many hounds. I’m a good match should you already have a dog in stock but cats look just like small little toys to me so they are not a good choice for me! LOL. I’ll admit, I get very excited when I see someone heading toward my pen with a leash. I get so excited it’s hard for me to focus on what I’m told. But I sure am enthusiastic with my affection! I’m not so happy when it’s time to go back inside the pen, though. Sometimes I have to be lured inside because I am so afraid I’ll be left alone again. I would love to be adopted by someone who could be patient with me until I gain some confidence and feel secure once more.

8. Yeti

The Yeti in folklore is also known as the Abominable Snowman. Well, I’m here to tell you that there is nothing at all abominable about me. I’m known far and wide here as the lover boy of all lover boys. My volunteer and staff friends all rave about how personable and friendly I am. I’m just an amiable guy who loves one and all, handing out rapid fire head bumps and caressing your hands with my ultra soft and snowy fur. It wasn’t very long after I moved to the T&E building kitchen that my roommate Mercury passed away after a long life. I was always a sweetheart and so affectionate but now that I’m temporarily by myself I adore attention even more, if that’s possible. While I can’t hear it, you will hear my soft rumbling purr as you stroke my velvety coat. Along with the gene that gave me deafness I must have also gotten some extra gentle genes, for there is no meanness nor any shred of unpleasantness in me. I would absolutely cherish your coming to visit with me and to shower me with love and chinny scrunches. Even though I can’t hear loving words doesn’t mean that I can’t feel them, so please talk away to me. I think there’s a good chance that you’ll not want to leave without me by your side. After all, such a kind and loyal companion is almost as rare as a Yeti.

9. Trapper

I’m a people pleaser. From far away, folks can see my tall, erect ears dancing in the wind and they just have to come on by to see the wiggling, happy faced fellow in charge of “those ears.” A very friendly, social, outgoing kind of guy, cruising around in a car and snuggling with my person are at the top of my “Must Do” List. Always up for a stroll in the woods and ready to go and do and explore, I’m a smart fellow who loves attention and getting lots of stimulation. Guess it’s the terrier/feist in my heritage that yearns for activity and adventure. In my former life, I had a cat who was best friend and periodically I had play dates with other dogs. My new cat friend would need to be “dog savvy” so I don’t take advantage of how nice they are to me! Obedience classes would be a super activity for us to partake in together as I’m very treat motivated and even this middle age guy, can surely learn a few more tricks! I enjoy kids an awful lot but sometimes when I get excited or am meeting folks in my home, I can get a little nippy so to keep everyone safe, much older kids and a more experienced person, is the best match for me. Now that you know all about me, Trapper, perhaps you can come on by and introduce yourself to me. I’m the cute mid-sized, brindle guy who hula dances for snacks as you approach my pen. I’ll keep the light on for you!

10. Cynthia

Come watch this litter play and no doubt, they will make your day! Lilian, Cynthia, Phillip and Tommy are all spunky, good natured kitties just looking to have a good time, a ball to bat, a feather to snag and a soft place to call their own! They are expert climbers and scalers in their oversized condo and boy, can they perform some acrobatic tricks! Once all the fun and games are over, count on some good snuggly time with these “black velvets.” Stop by soon and let these kittens brighten your day and every day moving forward.

11. Peggy

Pretty Woman! As many of us celebrate the release of the movie, Pretty Woman 27 years ago, here in the CFC community we celebrate the arrival of our newest Pretty Woman, Peggy!!

Now when we first met Peggy at the high kill shelter where animal control had dumped her, she had THE saddest look on her face. This middle aged lady was confused and wondered what she had done wrong to wind up in danger and in need of a new pet job.

Today, Peggy is safe and we love her to pieces. Talk about a Pretty Woman now! She has added some much needed pounds (perhaps a few too many ) and she is smiling. She wiggles with great excitement as folks select her for walks and she rolls on her back with great delight (something she could NOT do in her cement kennel at the shelter). The pond on our property is a source of wondrous joy for her as she wades out into it and then slowly sinks down looking like an alligator with only the top of her head and back visible! New life has been breathed into this friendly, bubbly lady!

Peggy can be a bit dog selective and cats might be too enticing for her so a family with older, more sturdy kids or a couple simply needing to fill a pet void, would be a perfect match for her. Peggy has never met a stranger so come on by soon, find your new friend in Peggy and tell her, “You’re coming home with me!”

Jerry Miller, Publisher

Jerry Miller is the president of VMV Brands and the publisher of Scoutology.com and I Love CVille, which are all head-quartered on The Historic Charlottesville Downtown Mall. Jerry is passionate about the #ShopLocal movement and supporting local merchants, restaurants, breweries and wineries. Get to know Jerry at JerryMillerNow.com.

Jerry Miller is the president of VMV Brands and the publisher of Scoutology.com and I Love CVille, which are all head-quartered on The Historic Charlottesville Downtown Mall. Jerry is passionate about the #ShopLocal movement and supporting local merchants, restaurants, breweries and wineries. Get to know Jerry at JerryMillerNow.com.